Cast members from the anti-bullying musical, "The New Kid," are shown here. Southbury actor Brandon Szep is the middle boy in the front row on the floor. Ridgefield actor Evan Smolin, also in the show, is second from right in the second row. less

Cast members from the anti-bullying musical, "The New Kid," are shown here. Southbury actor Brandon Szep is the middle boy in the front row on the floor. Ridgefield actor Evan Smolin, also in the show, is ... more

Brandon, who lives in Southbury, is no stranger to acting. He has appeared in about 20 plays and musicals, including "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." He played Kurt in "Sound of Music" and recently appeared as a choir boy on the HBO show "Boardwalk Empire."

But, for Brandon, "The New Kid" is different.

"I had some problems with being bullied at Pomperaug Elementary," said Brandon, who then transferred to the Waterbury Arts Magnet School. "This musical is kind of autobiographical."

"The New Kid," in which Brandon plays the title character, Zack, will be playing in New York and Connecticut through June 2013.

More Information

Brandon Szep
He's 11 and he lives in Southbury. He's in sixth grade at Waterbury Arts Magnet School.
Brandon's parents are Jeremy and Tanya Szep and he also has two siblings. His brother, Josh, is 9 and his sister, Taylor, is 7.
Aside from his role as Zack in "The New Kid," he plays three roles in "A Christmas Carol" at Hartford Stage.

Brandon is also in another show right now. He plays three characters in "A Christmas Carol," which recently began its run at Hartford Stage.

Lucky for him he's a quick study and can learn his lines for just about anything "within a week," he said. His secret is breaking them down into smaller parts, and lots and lots of practice.

"Sometimes my mom helps me do one scene at a time," he said. "I keep thinking about my lines in my head throughout the day."

When not involved in shows, Brandon enjoys basketball and playing the drums. He discussed his acting career, bullying and more in a recent interview.

Q: Tell us about the "The New Kid," its message and what it's all about.

A: "The New Kid" is an anti-bullying tour for the Random Farms Kids Theatre in Elmsford, N.Y. We tour different schools, elementary and middle, around the tri-state area. "The New Kid" is about telling kids of the ups and downs of school and being true to yourself. It's about bullying, whether you are the bully, the kid who stands up to the bully or the one who is being bullied.

Q: Are there any other local actors in the "The New Kid?"

A: Evan Smolin from Ridgefield. He plays Louis, a geek. He gets bullied (in the show).

Q: You mentioned you've had some personal experiences with bullying. What happened?

A: I have been bullied (at times) since the third grade. I either tell a nearby teacher when this is happening or they (the teacher) see what is going on. I've also talked to guidance counselors and principals in the past.

Q: How big is bullying in schools today?

A: I believe nine out of 10 schools have issues with kids being bullied. I'm trying to teach my friends in the show to be true to yourself and treat others the way you want to be treated.

Q: Tell us about your acting career and what you like the most about acting?

A: I started in 2009. My first show was called "GPS" and it was with my church. It's about a new guy named Tom who is getting his learner's permit. He had a GPS and a teacher to help him along the way. I've done 20 shows. I like performing in front of audiences and giving out messages to the public. I like it best when people clap and applaud.

Q: What can someone do if they see someone being bullied?

A: If you see that, you have two options. Number one, you have to stand up to the bully and tell them to stop and leave you alone. Number two, if that does not work then find a nearby adult and bring them over to the situation.

Q: Where can people go to see "The New Kid."

A: Elementary and middle schools book it. They can call the Random Farms Kids Theatre at 212-956-2566 and ask for Anya Wallach. Or they can go to www.randomfarms.com

Q: Tell us about who Zack is in the musical.

A: My character is the new kid at Public School 32 in Manhattan. At first, he's not comfortable. His nearby peers make fun of him because he's the new kid. Toward the middle of the show, Zack starts getting more and more friends. In the end, he stands up to the bullies and realizes that it's better to be a good friend and be true to yourself.